The challenge of a computer representation of sign language: capturing a “visual-spatial” language electronicallySigned languages ​​are not just another way to communicate a spoken language. Individual sign languages ​​are linguistically unique forms of communication, with their own grammatical constructions, word order, sensitivity and rules. American Sign Language, used in the United States and parts of Canada, is not the same as English. (Fox 2002). Like many people sharing common beliefs, customs and behaviors, the Deaf community has developed a cohesive culture. Basically, culture is a means of adaptation to one's environment. For the deaf, the environment is distinctly oriented toward sound, particularly in human communications. Despite years of oppression, denigration, lack of understanding and inequitable access and services, Deaf people have often been forced to rely on each other. Their shared experiences and struggles have created a distinct way of life that goes beyond a physical disability or a common language (Valios, 2002). Sign language is a unifying element of this culture. Due to its complex, visuo-spatial nature, sign language communication has been a particular challenge to preserve. Written English is a two-dimensional representation of spoken sound; each letter represents a sound (or sounds). When letters are strung together, words are formed – words that evoke specific objects or concepts. The written form of English allows the preservation and sharing of speech or thought, in a wide variety of formats such as books, e-mail, films and newspapers. Signed languages ​​incorporate complex three-dimensional elements that include hand shape, movement, position and facial expression...... middle of paper ...... retrieved February 3, 2006 from http: //signwriting.org /library.Han, A. (March 1999). A controversial approach to communication: SignWriting, the “alphabet” of signs. Silent News, 31(3), 3. Han, A. (November 1999). A Controversial New Approach to Literacy: SignWriting: Will It Work?. Silent News, 31(11), 14.Holt, JA, Traxler, CB and Allen, TE (1997). Interpreting Scores: A User's Guide to the Stanford Achievement Test, 9th Edition, for Educators of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students. Gallaudet Research Institute Technical Report 97-1. Washington, DC: Gallaudet University. Rosenberg, A., (1999). Writing sign languages. Unpublished master's thesis, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas. Valios, N. (2002). Deaf Cultural Club. Community Care, (1423), 34-35. Van Cleve, J. V. & Crouch, B. A. (1989). A place of their own. Washington, DC: Gallaudet University Press.